Environment Agency warns of further flooding

Published:14:49Friday 15 June 2012

WARNINGS of further flooding were issued as more rain is predicted to fall across the region.

The Environment Agency issued a statement on Friday, June 15, urging residents to closely monitor the developing weather situation - with potentially up to 20mm of rainfall forecast across the south east.

Further rain is also likely over the weekend.

The exceptional rainfall earlier this week resulted in some areas, mainly in Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, experiencing devastating surface water flooding.

The Environment Agency is urging the public to stay vigilant ahead of further wet and unsettled weather.

The statement read: “Those in flood risk areas should sign up to the Environment Agency’s free flood warning system – the most immediate and localised source of information on flooding – by calling 0845 988 1188 or visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood and you can follow the Environment Agency on Twitter at @EnvAgencySE.

“Currently one flood warning and seven flood alerts are in force for rivers across the region and the possibility remains further flood alerts could be issued in response to any significant rainfall. Heavy and intense showers could also result in surface water flooding as drains become overwhelmed, so people are advised to stay out of floodwaters and not attempt to drive through them.

“Environment Agency teams continue to be out clearing trash screens, closing flood gates, operating flood storage areas, removing debris from known hotspots and warning and informing the public about the possibility of flooding.

“The Environment Agency has set up an incident command centre at Bracklesham Lane car park in Bracklesham, West Sussex to co-ordinate a wide scale operational response to flooding in the area earlier this week. Specialist Environment Agency crews are still pumping out floodwaters to reduce the levels in the Manhood Peninsula area that covers Bracklesham, Medmerry and Earnley in West Sussex.

“Work also continues alongside emergency partners to assist flooded communities with immediate response and recovery. Arun District Council and the National Flood Forum charity are hosting a series of information days for communities in areas that have experienced the worst of the flooding in the district.”

The Environment Agency funded national flood recovery vehicle will be staffed by National Flood Forum and local authority representatives who will give advice and information to communities from 12pm to 6pm in the following locations in West Sussex: